Mold Removal vs. Mold Remediation

9/3/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Garland has been remediating mold in homes and businesses for years. Since microscopic mold spores exist naturally almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors, removing all mold spores from a home or business is impossible. Many restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold. This is a fallacy. We understand mold and mold growth. SERVPRO of South Garland has the training and expertise to remediate the mold in your home or business.

It is important, especially after a water damage, to quickly address any signs of mold in the home or business. If there is moisture present, growth can start in as little as 48 hours. If not addressed in a timely manner, mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants. Mold can also produce a strong, musty odor, and that odor can lead you to possible mold problem areas.

If you discover mold in your home, don’t hesitate to call the professionals who will abide by a remediation process:

1. Contact – (972) 278-7871
2. Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
3. Mold Containment
4. Air Filtration
5. Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
6. Cleaning Contents and Belongings

SERVPRO Can Remediate Your Mold Infestation

3/7/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Says Excess Moisture Can Cause Mold Damage

SERVPRO Says Excess Moisture Can Cause Mold Damage in Your Garland Bathroom.

Mold damage is something that many business and homeowners fear, but don’t necessarily know a lot about. There are some things about mold that you should learn when you own property so that you can try and prevent it, or know how to deal with it if it does occur. Within the state of Texas when organic growth is found in your home or office it needs to be tested by a licensed Mold Assessment Consultant to conduct an inspection and sample testing.  The inspector will write up a protocol of the work that will need to be completed to remediate the mold.

Mold can cause adverse health effects.
The best way to control mold inside your Garland structure is to control the moisture level, as there is no practical way to eliminate all mold totally.
If mold is a problem in your school or home, it needs to be cleaned up quickly, and the moisture source has to be eliminated.
If you have a leak or a water problem, this needs to be fixed to stop mold growth.
Lower the indoor humidity to around thirty to sixty percent to lessen the chance of mold growth by venting dryers, bathrooms and other sources that generate moisture to the outside; use dehumidifiers and air conditioners, increase ventilation and use exhaust fans whenever you cook, clean or wash dishes.
Add insulation to prevent condensation on cold surfaces such as piping, windows, the roof, exterior walls, and floors.
Wherever there is persistent moisture, do not install carpeting, such as by classroom sinks, drinking fountains or concrete floors with frequent condensation or leaks.
Allow professionals such as our team at SERVPRO of South Garland to clean and remediate any mold when you do have a problem, as we will have the proper personal protection equipment (PPE), cleaners and machines to get rid of it for you.

How Does Mold Grow?
Mold needs specific elements to grow, develop and thrive like any other living organism. The components include of course moisture, mold spores and the right temperatures and carbon atoms (organic food supply) that are used by these fungi to feed on. When everything is plentiful in a certain location, it makes just the right environment for the growth of mold.

To further avoid the proliferation of mold in your structure, consider these elements:
Mold Spores.
These are invisible to the naked eye. They have the ability to attach themselves to just about any solid object and are carried through the air. They especially thrive on damp surfaces or porous items.
Temperatures
Mold doesn’t like one particular climate. Instead, it prefers temperatures that are similar to the human body, and can grow in both cold and hot areas. Moist and humid areas, however, are the most prone to the growth of mold.
Moisture
Mold will seek moisture out of any kind whether it is from leaky pipes or climate conditions. Also, areas which trap condensation or water vapor are ideal for mold growth.
Feeding Agent
Most living things release carbon atoms. If the first three requirements are met, then mold will use just about any organism that contains carbon as a source of food.

If you suspect that you have mold growth, contact us right away at SERVPRO of South Garland by calling (972)278-7871 any time of day or night, any day of the year. We will come and inspect your property and if necessary give you the names of a Texas State licensed Mold Assessment Consultant so that we can get the organic growth tested to work out a plan of mold remediation for you.

Help! There"s Mold in my House

3/6/2019 (Permalink)

Help! There's Mold in My Home

Help! There's Mold in My Home

Someone living in Garland, Texas may find it quite difficult to avoid mold or mildew because the weather in the area is so unpredictable.  There is no way for the family to anticipate when a fungus or other microbial growth will form in the home, and they need remediation services as soon as possible.  This article explains how someone may have a mold cleanup crew come to their home at any time, and they may address problems in their Garland, Texas home.

#1: How Does It Grow?

Mildew, fungus and microbial growths will build in the home because of the weather and factors inside the house.  Standing water is very good at creating a new growth, and the growth will continue to build until it has taken over the house.  The water must be cleaned up, and the homeowner must ensure they have the state environmental hygienist tell them what the status of their house is.  

#2: How Does Remediation Work?

The mold cleanup service moves quickly once the company starts, and they will work on multiple parts of the house until they know it has been cleaned properly. Containment areas will be set up with negative air scrubbers to filter the air through a 3 stage HEPA filtration system.   The process will clean every piece of affected material with a two-step antimicrobial cleaning product.  

#3: How Does The Environmental Hygienist Respond To Emergencies?

There are quite a few emergencies that may occur when a growth is found in the home that may seem menacing.  The mold will grow until it has been remedied, and it may be toxic to the family.  The hygienist will use specialty hazmat suits to check the house, and they will take samples of the inside organic growth and send it to a lab to know the type of mold is present. They will write up a protocol for the Remediation Contractor to follow.  The emergency care may be done right away, and the crew will move much faster than normal to ensure the client is given the best care possible.

#4: How Long Do Standard Services Last?

Standard services from SERVPRO of South Garland could be several days to remediate a large amount of mold.  Once all is clean, the company will call on the state inspector to perform a clearance test. Once clearance is granted a clearance certificate will be issued and the homeowners will be informed and given the certificate for their records.

#5: The Company Offers Fair Prices

Anyone who does work on the home must do so at a fair price, and they will find it quite simple to offer an estimate that shows how much it will cost to do everything that must be done. The work that is done on the home must be managed in a way that is easy for the homeowner to understand, and they must feel as though they have been given a way to ensure their safety in the future.  Check with your insurance company about mold coverage with your homeowner’s policy, some companies do not offer mold coverage, if not it will be self pay.

#6: Tips for the Future

There are many small things the homeowner may do when they are trying to keep their home clean. The house will be much cleaner when the homeowners know how to check for mold, and they may take steps to help the house stay dry. They may wish to install a dehumidifier that will help suck moisture out of the house, and they will find it simple to close in the house to keep more moisture out.

 Moisture that sits in the house or seeps in will cause many problems for the family, and the family will find it difficult to clean the growths alone.  Everyone who sees something untoward in their house must have it removed before it becomes a much larger problem.  One thing to remember, when you have a flooding situation from washing machine to hot water heater, water must be dealt with quickly or it can cause mold.  Even if you do not wee water, it can run under walls, and then be wicked up into the drywall.  This is when a mitigation company like SERVPRO of South Garland can help; we use moisture meters and other equipment to tell us where the moisture is hiding.

The house is quite difficult to keep clean when it has not been visited by a professional who works in mitigation. They will bring all the equipment that is needed to clean everything, and they will show their customers a number of ways that they may care for their home. The house will remain clean and dry because of work that was done by the mitigation company, and they will come out to the house with a fair pricing plan for each customer. Everyone who has been hit by this problem will smell it in the air, and they need to know that they have chosen wisely once the crew arrives. Visit https://www.SERVPROsouthgarland.com/  for more information on mold removal and remediation.  Or call SERVPRO of South Garland 972-278-7871

Got Mold?

2/25/2019 (Permalink)

Got Mold?

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all molds from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all molds, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If your home or business has a mold problem, SERVPRO of South Garland can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today SERVPRO of South Garland at 972-278-7871

What is Mold?

1/28/2019 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of South Garland we want you to be informed and to have an understanding not a fear of this organism and its impacts on your home. So to start lets learn a little about mold in general.

• What exactly is mold? Molds are living microorganisms and forms of fungi like yeasts and mushrooms. Now that we have a basic definition of mold, let’s start debunking some common mold myths!
• Most of the information you find in the media and internet on “Black Mold” is completely bogus and horribly misleading. The fact is that the color of the mold as it appears to the naked eye cannot tell you anything about whether it’s toxic or not.
• With over 100,000 species, mold comes in about any size, shape, and color you can think of, making it virtually impossible to tell what type of mold you have without a microscope.
• While there are over 100,000 species of mold, the good news is that you do NOT need to know what kind of mold you have to eliminate mold growth. All molds are treated in the same way. Since mold is a living organism, it requires food and water to survive. But controlling mold by eliminating food sources is very difficult since mold can feed off building materials, and the tiniest of organic matter like dirt, dust and debris. Thus the best way to eliminate mold problems is to eliminate water problems.
• Texas requires a licensed Mold Inspector to test the organic growth to determine if it is mold and what type of mold it is and to write a protocol to remediate the mold.
• Eliminating mold problems is important because the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) estimates that we spend 90 percent of our time indoors, and that the air we breathe indoors is more polluted than the outdoor air. So indoor air quality matters a lot to our health.
• Speaking of our health, so called “Black Mold” typically refers to molds that can produce toxins (specifically mycotoxins), such as groups of molds known as Stachybotrys.  Mycotoxins will not always be produced when these types of mold are present. To put it another way, the presence of mold does not necessarily mean mycotoxins are present. The conditions needed for mycotoxins to be produced are not fully understood. Further, mycotoxins can be produced by other types of molds besides Stachybotrys and these molds are not always black. But all visible molds, regardless of color, should be removed by a professional, like SERVPRO of South Garland.
• Mold is a natural organism that serves many useful purposes in daily life. It breaks down dead organic matter; helps make certain cheeses, and antibiotics like Penicillin. Mold only becomes a problem when it is found in elevated levels. Then, mold removal and remediation should be performed.
• Molds reproduce by releasing microscopic airborne spores that find their way to a habitable surface. Molds can grow on almost anything, including most building materials such as drywall, insulation, wood, etc. If enough water is present on these surfaces, the mold grows into active colonies and releases spores into the air.
• While mold grows most easily on porous organic surfaces such as drywall and unfinished wood, it can also grow on inorganic surfaces such as metal, plastics and glass when organic nutrients such as dust and debris are along with moisture.

• You can be exposed to mold by breathing in mold spores or touching and/or ingesting moldy items. And under ideal conditions, active visible mold colonies can grow in as little as one or two days.
• Many homeowners’ insurance policies specifically list mold as an exclusion and will not cover mold-related claims. There are insurance policies that will cover mold related claims. You should not assume your policy covers mold. Chances are it doesn’t. If you want mold insurance, ask for it, and review your policy carefully to make sure you understand what is and are not included.

Get IT out of my house!

9/4/2018 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of South Garland about your mold today. (972)278-7871

Call SERVPRO of South Garland to talk about your situation today (972) 278-7871   

How does mold grow in a house?

9/4/2018 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of South Garland (972)278-7871

SERVPRO of South Garland is mold certified and very professional call us at (972)278-7871 for all your mold remediation needs.

Mold: Should I Be Worried

1/30/2018 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of South Garland today. (972)278-7871

Mold

Should I Be Worried

                What Is Mold? Mold is a part of the kingdom fungi and mold is a general term to describe many different types of fungi. Specifically those that grow in colonies and reproduce with spores. Some molds do not affect people and others only affect some people. To find more information about molds affecting your body you should contact a doctor or ask your physician.  So if a mold does not affect people should we still be worried about it in our homes or businesses. The short answer is yes, but then the question is why. Let’s take a look at molds role in nature. Mold is here to help decompose natural materials like wood, grass, or animals.  Take a look around at your home, what are the materials used to build it. Wood studs in the walls, paper sheets over gypsum board. Plywood, or composite wood sheeting, and baseboards. Well now you are asking why is my home not overtaken by mold already? The answer we keep our homes dry.

 Mold comes into play when there is a water intrusion either from a roof leak, a broken pipe, or over flow from a toilet, shower or sink. Don’t be scared just because you just had a little water spill on your floor that can dry up quickly and mold won’t take root. But when water floods though your home, not taking the proper steps, quickly, can cause the moisture to dry slowly, and then mold can take root in your home. Having trained professionals, Like SERVPRO of South Garland, inspect your home after a water leak can let you know where the excess moisture is and they can help you come up with a plan to get the moisture out of your home so you can be safe and your home can be safe as well.

If there is water rushing through your home, or you just want to be sure all the water is dry from the loss you had a week ago give SERVPRO of South Garland a call at (972)278-7871 today.

General Mold Information

1/11/2018 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of South Garland today (972)278-7871

Here at SERVPRO of South Garland we hear all kinds of misinformation about mold. We want you to be informed and to have an understanding not a fear of this organism and its impacts on your home. So to start lets learn a little about mold in general.

1. What exactly is mold? Molds are living microorganisms and forms of fungi like yeasts and mushrooms. Now that we have a basic definition of mold, let’s start debunking some common mold myths!
2. Most of the information you find in the media and internet on “Black Mold” is completely bogus and horribly misleading. The fact is that the color of the mold as it appears to the naked eye cannot tell you anything about whether it’s toxic or not. This brings us to point #3:
3. With over 100,000 species, mold comes in about any size, shape, and color you can think of, making it virtually impossible to tell what type of mold you have without a microscope.
4. While there are over 100,000 species of mold, the good news is that you do NOT need to know what kind of mold you have to eliminate mold growth. Allmolds are treated in the same way. Since mold is a living organism, it requires food and water to survive. But controlling mold by eliminating food sources is very difficult since mold can feed off building materials, and the tiniest of organic matter like dirt, dust and debris. Thus the best way to eliminate mold problems is to eliminate water problems.
5. Eliminating mold problems is important because the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) estimates that we spend 90 percent of our time indoors, and that the air we breathe indoors is more polluted than the outdoor air. So indoor air quality matters a lot to our health.
6. Mold is a natural organism that serves many useful purposes in daily life. It breaks down dead organic matter, helps make certain cheeses, and antibiotics like Penicillin. Mold only becomes a problem when it is found in elevated levels. Then, mold removal and remediation should be performed.
7. Molds reproduce by releasing microscopic airborne spores that find their way to a habitable surface. Molds can grow on almost anything, including most building materials such as drywall, insulation, wood, etc. If enough water is present on these surfaces, the mold grows into active colonies and releases spores into the air.
8. While mold grows most easily on porous organic surfaces such as drywall and unfinished wood, it can also grow on inorganic surfaces such as metal, plastics and glass when organic nutrients such as dust and debris are along with moisture.
9. You can be exposed to mold by breathing in mold spores or touching and/or ingesting moldy items. And under ideal conditions, active visible mold colonies can grow in as little as one or two days.
10. There are currently no federal guidelines specifying what constitutes an unsafe level of mold. But if you see visible mold growth or smell it, your environment almost certainly has elevated levels of mold.
11. If nobody knows how bad mold is, should you care? Yes! A moldy home is unappealing to buyers, and it slowly destroys your home. It should be removed or treated as soon as possible.
12. Tiny amounts of mold are in every breath you take. Only the cleanest environments, such as a sterilized hospital organ transplant room, are mold-free. A home will continue to have low levels of mold even after mold removal and mold remediation is finished.
13. Everyone responds to mold differently, but certain groups such as the elderly, young children and people with autoimmune disorders are thought to be more at risk for the common allergenic symptoms associated with mold.
14. Many homeowners’ insurance policies specifically list mold as an exclusion and will not cover mold-related claims. There are insurance policies that will cover mold related claims. You should not assume your policy covers mold. Chances are, it doesn’t. If you want mold insurance, ask for it, and review your policy carefully to make sure you understand what is and is not included.

Here at SERVPRO of South Garland your family’s health and well being are of the utmost importance to us. If you can see visible mold in your home give us a call at (972)278-7871. We want your home to be a safe place for you and your family to relax, and rest.

Mold, Mold, Mold...

11/30/2017 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of South Garland at (972)278-7871

Here at SERVPRO of South Garland we see mold issues all the time, and the people who are having to deal with a remediation because of it getting widespread always ask what they could have done to prevent the problem in the first place.  Most of these places have had a leak either slowly so no one noticed it until the mold brought it to their attention, or there was a reason that the flood could not be taken care of immediately after the event. Some of those reason could be the home owner was away from the home on vacation and the leak was not discovered, the area was flooded and no one could get to the home for a few days, or the home owner thought that it was not severe enough to cause the damage in the first place.

So here are 3 ways to keep mold from infesting your home.

1. The vent in the bathroom is for when hot water is running to get the humidity out. Run it at least 30 minutes after showers or baths to prevent water from being absorbed into the drywall.
2. If there is a small spill clean it up and put a fan on it if it was in the carpet.
3. If there was a large water leak call a professional to make sure that your home is thoroughly dry and safe from mold taking root in your home.

Basically if the home stays dry then no mold can grow in the structure. But if it is wet for a while then it can start. The longer that the problem is sitting the more drastic the solution could be. In nature mold is a decomposing organism that eats what it is growing on, so if you have mold then it has to be eating something, and that something is probably your house.

If you have a mold infestation give SERVPRO of South Garland a call we will be happy to help you get started on you mold project today.  

Control Your Mold

11/17/2017 (Permalink)

If mold is out of control call SERVPRO of South Garland at (972)278-7871

One of the questions that we get asked most often is, “how do you prevent mold?”  Preventing mold, and specifically black mold from growing in your home is a hot topic these days with interest in indoor air quality a health priority.  Mold is a fungus that is constantly present throughout our homes and offices, so anyone who has an expectation that they can remove it completely should understand that this is nearly impossible, with a few exceptions (think NASA, surgical operating rooms, etc.).  The war on mold is never-ending.  So instead of asking how do you prevent mold, try to change your expectations and instead ask how do you reduce mold to healthier levels.  In this article, we will discuss how to prevent mold and how your secret weapon in combating mold growth in your home might surprise you – it isn’t bleach or 409 – it’s your air conditioner!

Preventing Mold in Your Home.

Before you can answer the question, “how do you prevent mold?” you must first have an understanding of what mold is and what it needs to live.  Mold reproduces by spreading its spores into the air which then settle into a substrate, forming new colonies and repeating the cycle.  It requires three components for it to grow: a viable organic compound, warmth and moisture.  The key to combating mold and reducing the amount of mold in your home is to remove any one of these three components.  This will help break the cycle and retard the growth of mold and other funguses.  Mold cannot grow without an organic substrate or without moisture and it needs warmth to thrive.

4 Tips to Prevent Mold Growth

1. Keep your air conditioner on at all times to prevent the growth of mold.

Ever wonder why your air conditioner is called an air conditioner, instead of an air cooler?  Simply put, it doesn’t just cool your air, but it conditions your air by removing moisture.  Remember that moisture is one of the three required ingredients that are essential for mold growth, so keep your AC system on at all times if possible

2. Ensuring that your attic has fans will minimize mold growth in your attic.

Attic fans can be electrical or wind powered, but don’t get too wrapped around the axel on this because either will do.  Your attic isn’t air conditioned like your house is, so keep it well ventilated to reduce the amount of mold that can grow and spread into your home or business.

3. Vacuum regularly to remove organic sources of mold growth

Dust is a great substrate for mold growth.  Remember that one of the three requirements for mold to thrive is an organic substrate. Think about it, how would your garden look if you removed all of the soil?  It seems obvious with the garden example, but on a microscopic level it is also true.  Vacuuming regularly removes dust, pollen and other organic compounds from the carpet.  It also disturbs what it doesn’t pick up into the air column where your air conditioner can quickly filter it out.

4. Water leaks promote mold growth, so make sure you fix any leaks in your home.

Even the smallest leak can support mold growth, and controlling moisture is part of the mold trifecta.  Just as with the garden example above, how would your garden look if you didn’t water it – ever.  Water is probably the biggest contributing factor to mold growth in the home so take the time to fix even the smallest leaks.  A drop or two here or there under your sink might not seem like much, but after a drop per minute for an entire day, how much water would be there fueling mold growth?  What about after a week or a month?  Fix all of your leaks and make no exceptions and if you don’t know how then choose a good plumber

In the end, you will never be able to remove 100% of mold from your home, but following these 5 tips can help control its growth and ensure your family’s health and comfort.  Figuring out how to prevent mold isn’t rocket science, so with a little preventative maintenance and effort mold doesn’t stand a chance

If mold is out of control in your home give SERVPRO of South Garland a call today at (972)278-7871 we are mold remediation licensed and can help you eliminate the mold problem that you have.

What the Duct: Home Air Duct Cleaning

8/11/2017 (Permalink)

Get you ducts cleaned today call SERVPRO of South Garland at 972-278-7871

What the Duct: Home Air Duct Cleaning

Do you want to improve your indoor air quality, or is the dust and dirt being blown out of the vents in your home.   If the answer is yes them SERVPRO of South Garland is here to help

Remediation specialist SERVPRO suggests including heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) duct maintenance on your to-do list.

"At the very least, performing some simple maintenance on the ducts in your home will help your HVAC system work at maximum efficiency," said Sue Steen, SERVPRO Industries, Inc. chief executive officer. "In some cases, it may highlight a problem you need to address."

Steen offers the following guidelines based on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommendations for routine maintenance of the HVAC system in your home:

1. Maintain filters.
   Use the highest efficiency air filter recommended by the manufacturer of your HVAC system and change filters regularly. If your filters become clogged, change them more frequently. Also, be sure you do not have any missing filters and that air cannot bypass filters through gaps around the filter holder.
2. Minimize dust.
   Dust and vacuum your home regularly, using the highest efficiency filter bags your vacuum cleaner can take – preferably HEPA bags. If you undertake dusty construction or renovation work in your home, seal off supply and return registers and do not turn your HVAC system on until you have cleaned up the dust.
3. Clean cooling coils and drain pans.
   Cooling coils, which are designed to remove water from the air, can be a major source of moisture contamination that can lead to mold growth in your HVAC system. Make sure that the drain pans under these coils drain properly and check any nearby insulation for wet spots. If you see substantial standing water and/or debris in these pans, contact a qualified service professional immediately. If your system includes an in-duct humidifier, be sure to follow manufacturer operating instructions.

For some homeowners, this routine maintenance may uncover evidence of a larger problem, like mold growth, rodent or insect infestation, or ducts so clogged with dust and debris that particles are being released into the home through air supply registers. Steen says this is the time to call in the professionals for an expert evaluation of the problem and, if necessary, a cleanup plan.

"Restoration and remediation specialists like the technicians at SERVPRO can help you determine how serious the problem is," says Steen. "In many cases, routine maintenance is all that is required. But if the problem could pose a health threat to people living in the house, you need to call in the professionals. SERVPRO technicians are trained to use specialized cleaning and disposal techniques to remove any contaminants from your ducts safely and completely, without releasing them into your home."

For more information on air duct cleaning and other related cleaning services, please  give us a call at 972-278-7871

4 Tips to Mold Prevention

2/1/2017 (Permalink)

If you have mold Call SERVPRO of South Garland (972)278-7871

One of the questions that we get asked most often is, “how do you prevent mold?”  Preventing mold, and specifically black mold from growing in your home is a hot topic these days with interest in indoor air quality a health priority.  Mold is a fungus that is constantly present throughout our homes and offices, so anyone who has an expectation that they can remove it completely should understand that this is nearly impossible, with a few exceptions (think NASA, surgical operating rooms, etc.).  The war on mold is never-ending.  So instead of asking how do you prevent mold, try to change your expectations and instead ask how do you reduce mold to healthier levels.  In this article, we will discuss how to prevent mold and how your secret weapon in combating mold growth in your home might surprise you – it isn’t bleach or 409 – it’s your air conditioner!

Preventing Mold in Your Home.

Before you can answer the question, “how do you prevent mold?” you must first have an understanding of what mold is and what it needs to live.  Mold reproduces by spreading its spores into the air which then settle into a substrate, forming new colonies and repeating the cycle.  It requires three components for it to grow: a viable organic compound, warmth and moisture.  The key to combating mold and reducing the amount of mold in your home is to remove any one of these three components.  This will help break the cycle and retard the growth of mold and other funguses.  Mold cannot grow without an organic substrate or without moisture and it needs warmth to thrive.

4 Tips to Prevent Mold Growth

1. Keep your air conditioner on at all times to prevent the growth of mold.

Ever wonder why your air conditioner is called an air conditioner, instead of an air cooler?  Simply put, it doesn’t just cool your air, but it conditions your air by removing moisture.  Remember that moisture is one of the three required ingredients that are essential for mold growth, so keep your AC system on at all times if possible

2. Ensuring that your attic has fans will minimize mold growth in your attic.

Attic fans can be electrical or wind powered, but don’t get too wrapped around the axel on this because either will do.  Your attic isn’t air conditioned like your house is, so keep it well ventilated to reduce the amount of mold that can grow and spread into your home or business.

3. Vacuum regularly to remove organic sources of mold growth

Dust is a great substrate for mold growth.  Remember that one of the three requirements for mold to thrive is an organic substrate. Think about it, how would your garden look if you removed all of the soil?  It seems obvious with the garden example, but on a microscopic level it is also true.  Vacuuming regularly removes dust, pollen and other organic compounds from the carpet.  It also disturbs what it doesn’t pick up into the air column where your air conditioner can quickly filter it out.

4. Water leaks promote mold growth, so make sure you fix any leaks in your home.

Even the smallest leak can support mold growth, and controlling moisture is part of the mold trifecta.  Just as with the garden example above, how would your garden look if you didn’t water it – ever.  Water is probably the biggest contributing factor to mold growth in the home so take the time to fix even the smallest leaks.  A drop or two here or there under your sink might not seem like much, but after a drop per minute for an entire day, how much water would be there fueling mold growth?  What about after a week or a month?  Fix all of your leaks and make no exceptions and if you don’t know how then choose a good plumber

For more information on mold, try this article from the CDC – Prevent Mold Growth.

In the end, you will never be able to remove 100% of mold from your home, but following these 5 tips can help control its growth and ensure your family’s health and comfort.  Figuring out how to prevent mold isn’t rocket science, so with a little preventative maintenance and effort mold doesn’t stand a chance.  ASM air conditioning and heating installs all types of HVAC equipment; customized for your needs, including UV filters and customized filtration for asthmatics and allergy sufferers, helping you keep your family safe from the harmful effects of mold and ensuring a high level of indoor air quality.

Preventing and Eliminating Indoor Mold

12/30/2016 (Permalink)

Don't let mold take over your home, call SERVPRO of South Garland (972)278-7871

Mold is a non-scientific term for many types of fungi - unwanted, unappealing patches of black, brown, yellow, pink, green, smelly, fuzzy growths. Countless species of mold are found both indoors and outdoors.

Although mold and its spores are literally everywhere, active mold growth requires moisture. Whether on visible surfaces or hiding behind drywall, in attics, or under carpets, indoor mold grows in the presence of excessive dampness or water. Also found in damp indoor environments are:

• bacteria;
• dust mites;
• break-down products of bacteria and molds, such as proteins, cell-wall particles (glucans) and volatile organic compounds (the actual cause of the musty odor associated with mold);
• airborne chemicals, gasses, and particulate matter caused by destruction of materials by growing molds.

Indoor mold may be unsightly and smelly, but the potential problems are more serious than that. By definition, actively-growing mold damages the material it lives on, thereby impairing structural integrity.Mold growth in homes, schools, and businesses should be eliminated for the sake of human health, structural integrity, and quality of life. Cleaning up small amounts of mold can be done by homeowners. Eliminating mold from large areas requires expertise and protection both for the removal specialists and occupants of the affected space.

If you have a house infected with mold call SERVPRO of South Garland at (972)278-7871 our mold professionals can help guide you through the remediation process. 

Mold and You

11/21/2016 (Permalink)

Do you have Mold? Call the professionals at SERVPRO of South Garland at (972)278-7871

There is always some mold everywhere and this is safe for most people, but when the levels are elevated on the surfaces or in the air especially inside that could cause problems.. Molds have been on the Earth for millions of years. Mold grows where there is moisture. Here at SERVPRO of South Garland we want you to be informed about the risks of having high levels of mold in your house, and the affects that it can have on your health.

Mold and You

Exposure to damp and moldy environments may cause a variety of health effects, or none at all. Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, molds can cause nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, coughing or wheezing, eye irritation, or, in some cases, skin irritation. People with mold allergies may have more severe reactions. Immune-compromised people and people with chronic lung illnesses, such as obstructive lung disease, may get serious infections in their lungs when they are exposed to mold. These people should stay away from areas that are likely to have mold, such as compost piles, cut grass, and wooded areas.

In 2004 the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found there was sufficient evidence to link indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough, and wheeze in otherwise healthy people; with asthma symptoms in people with asthma; and with hypersensitivity pneumonitis in individuals susceptible to that immune-mediated condition. The IOM also found limited or suggestive evidence linking indoor mold exposure and respiratory illness in otherwise healthy children.

In addition, in 2004 the IOM found sufficient evidence to link exposure to damp indoor environments in general to upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough, and wheeze in otherwise healthy people and with asthma symptoms in people with asthma. The IOM also found limited or suggestive evidence linking exposure to damp indoor environments in general to shortness of breath, to respiratory illness in otherwise healthy children and to potential development of asthma in susceptible individuals. In 2009, the World Health Organization issued additional guidance, the WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality: Dampness and Mould. Other recent studies have suggested a potential link of early mold exposure to development of asthma in some children, particularly among children who may be genetically susceptible to asthma development, and that selected interventions that improve housing conditions can reduce morbidity from asthma and respiratory allergies, but more research is needed in this regard.

A link between other adverse health effects, such as acute idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage among infants, memory loss, or lethargy, and molds, including the mold Stachybotrys chartarum (Stachybotrys atra), has not been proven. Further studies are needed to find out what causes acute idiopathic hemorrhage and other adverse health effects.

Mold and Your Home

Mold is found both indoors and outdoors. Mold can enter your home through open doorways, windows, vents, and heating and air conditioning systems. Mold in the air outside can also attach itself to clothing, shoes, bags, and pets can and be carried indoors.

Mold will grow in places with a lot of moisture, such as around leaks in roofs, windows, or pipes, or where there has been flooding. Mold grows well on paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, and wood products. Mold can also grow in dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery.

You Can Control Mold

Inside your home you can control mold growth by:

• Controlling humidity levels;
• Promptly fixing leaky roofs, windows, and pipes;
• Thoroughly cleaning and drying after flooding;
• Ventilating shower, laundry, and cooking areas.

Here at SERVPRO of South Garland we want to help prevent your home from becoming filled with mold. If you experience a water leak call our professional, locally owned Franchise to help at (972)278-7871. And if you already have a moldy room let us know and we can get the ball rolling on your mold remediation project.

17 General Facts about Mold

11/18/2016 (Permalink)

When mold strikes call the professionals at SERVPRO of South Garland (972)278-7871

 17 General Facts about Mold

Here at SERVPRO of South Garland we hear all kinds of misinformation about mold. We want you to be informed and to have an understanding not a fear of this organism and its impacts on your home. So to start lets learn a little about mold in general.

1. What exactly is mold? Molds are living microorganisms and forms of fungi like yeasts and mushrooms. Now that we have a basic definition of mold, let’s start debunking some common mold myths!
   
2. Most of the information you find in the media and internet on “Black Mold” is completely bogus and horribly misleading. The fact is that the color of the mold as it appears to the naked eye cannot tell you anything about whether its toxic or not. This brings us to point #3:
3. With over 100,000 species, mold comes in about any size, shape, and color you can think of, making it virtually impossible to tell what type of mold you have without a microscope.
4. While there are over 100,000 species of mold, the good news is that you do NOT need to know what kind of mold you have to eliminate mold growth. All molds are treated in the same way. Since mold is a living organism, it requires food and water to survive. But controlling mold by eliminating food sources is very difficult since mold can feed off building materials, and the tiniest of organic matter like dirt, dust and debris. Thus the best way to eliminate mold problems is to eliminate water problems.
5. Eliminating mold problems is important because the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) estimates that we spend 90 percent of our time indoors, and that the air we breathe indoors is more polluted than the outdoor air. So indoor air quality matters a lot to our health.
6. Speaking of our health, so called “Black Mold” typically refers to molds that can produce toxins (specifically mycotoxins), such as groups of molds known as Stachybotrys. Mycotoxins will not always be produced when these types of mold are present. To put it another way, the presence of mold does not necessarily mean mycotoxins are present. The conditions needed for mycotoxins to be produced are not fully understood. Further, mycotoxins can be produced by other types of molds besides Stachybotrys and these molds are not always black. But all visible molds, regardless of color, should be removed by a professional, like SERVPRO of South Garland.
7. Mold is a natural organism that serves many useful purposes in daily life. It breaks down dead organic matter, helps make certain cheeses, and antibiotics like Penicillin. Mold only becomes a problem when it is found in elevated levels. Then, mold removal and remediation should be performed.
8. Molds reproduce by releasing microscopic airborne spores that find their way to a habitable surface. Molds can grow on almost anything, including most building materials such as drywall, insulation, wood, etc. If enough water is present on these surfaces, the mold grows into active colonies and releases spores into the air.
9. While mold grows most easily on porous organic surfaces such as drywall and unfinished wood, it can also grow on inorganic surfaces such as metal, plastics and glass when organic nutrients such as dust and debris are along with moisture.
10. You can be exposed to mold by breathing in mold spores or touching and/or ingesting moldy items. And under ideal conditions, active visible mold colonies can grow in as little as one or two days.
11. There are currently no federal guidelines specifying what constitutes an unsafe level of mold. But if you see visible mold growth or smell it, your environment almost certainly has elevated levels of mold.
12. If nobody knows how bad mold is, should you care? Yes! A moldy home is unappealing to buyers, and can cause allergies and illness to those living in it. It should be removed or treated as soon as possible.
13. Tiny amounts of mold are in every breath you take. Only the cleanest environments, such as a sterilized hospital organ transplant room, are mold-free. A home will continue to have low levels of mold even after mold removal and mold remediation is finished.
14. Some people are not affected by mold. For others, mold symptoms
    include allergies, fatigue, stuffy head, headache, runny nose, and dry throat.
15. It is generally agreed that media reports of mold causing severe illness, disease or death are isolated cases that are sensationalized and scientifically unproven.
16. Everyone responds to mold differently, but certain groups such as the elderly, young children and people with autoimmune disorders are thought to be more at risk for the common allergenic symptoms associated with mold.
17. Many homeowners’ insurance policies specifically list mold as an exclusion and will not cover mold-related claims. There are insurance policies that will cover mold related claims. You should not assume your policy covers mold. Chances are, it doesn’t. If you want mold insurance, ask for it, and review your policy carefully to make sure you understand what is and is not included.

Here at SERVPRO of South Garland your family’s health and well being are of the utmost importance to us. If you can see visible mold in your home give us a call at (972)278-7871. We want your home to be a safe place for you and your family to relax, and rest.